Faroe Islands-based singer Helgi got in touch with us to talk about his new single – it was also an exciting moment when the singer pointed out that Minnis2 sounded a lot like ”Minnist tú” – which in Faroese means ”Do you remember?” !
We hope you remember to check out Helgi and his wonderful new single Paradis, and keep coming back to visit us 🙂
Tell us who you are and what is your sound?
Well I am Helgi a 34 year old artist who happens to make music and sing, as well as working a bit with sound-, visual art and also co-organizing/programming a film festival in my city. Hopefully I have somewhat my own sound, or at least that’s always a wish of mine, it’s tragic with a touch of comedy, often simple and many
times not. It’s possible that I should put it in genres, so Electronic, Experimental, Folk/World, Disco, Soul, House, really, a mix of happenings!
What exciting projects have you got coming up?
My first physical release – I’ve just started a vinyl funding campaign with Diggers Factory to release my 2019 single ‘Paradís’ including two unreleased sound pieces on a 10’’ transparent vinyl. Diggers Factory is a website where artists can create a vinyl release free of charge, but in order for the vinyl to be pressed I must reach my goal of 300 pre-orders, I have a bit less than two months to reach that goal, I feel a bit nervous and excited at the same time. Other than that I’m working quite hard, but slowly on new material that most likely will become an EP/album to be released in 2021, I sort of know what my first single should be and it sounds a bit different to what you’ve heard so far.
Where did you grow up and what music influenced you?
Grew up in Tórshavn the capital of the Faroe Islands. I’ve gone through phases, which I suppose we all do so it’s kind of difficult to be very specific, so, is it okay if I mention a few? Because I adore Prince, M.I.A., The Knife (including their solo projects), Björk, R.D. Burman, Asha Bhosle, Róisín Murphy (of course Moloko), Yasmine Hamdan, Hercules & Love Affair, Ghost Culture, Joy Division, KiNK, Lauryn Hill just to get around a bit, I could totally keep on. Electronic, House, Bollywood Disco and AcidHouse have influenced me quite a bit the past few years.
What cool places do you recommend to visit in your city (bars, restaurants, etc)?
I would actually recommend the bar where I DJ every now and then, it’s called Sirkus Föroyar, it was a bar in Reykjavík that closed down some years ago and opened up here, Björk used to hang out there.
The other place I’d recommend is a lovely café with a really good vibe called Paname Café. Otherwise I tend to be the worst person to ask for recommendations, as I’ll just tell people to do nothing, just sit in a café and watch people!
We love recommendations though! What have you been listening to, watching, or reading recently?
Last film I watched was ‘Judy’ and before that I watched ‘Pain and Glory’ by Almodóvar, there were things in that film that sort of resonated with me plus I fell in love with Cécar Vicente who is one of the actors.
I finished reading two books earlier this year by Clarice Lispector, ‘’Near to the Wild Heart’’ and ‘’The Passion According to G.H.’’, definitely recommend her book ‘’Água Viva’’ too. I’ve listened to Zhala’s new single ‘’Holes’’ which was produced by Olof Dreijer, Róisín Murphy’s ‘’Something New’’, Honey Dijon’s new stuff, P.J.Harvey, Grace Jones was on quite a heavy rotation earlier this year.
Finally, what was the last thing that made you swear out loud?
Actually not too long ago, I hit my hand on the tumble dryer door while it was open, I was about to move my hand towards the washing machine that is next to the dryer, so not really a fancy reason for cursing!
Interview by Alex Minnis
